Headed by architect Winy Maas, research group The Why Factory[1] challenges us to think big in regards to going green and conserving our natural resources. Making bold and slightly fantastical designs, the group’s plan for the Thai [2]city of Phuket are both beautiful and self-sustaining. Part of an exhibition at Berlin’s Aedes am Pfefferberg[3], Why Factory’s submission is a series of water-lily like artificial islands[4] that soak up the sun and convert it to energy.

The exhibition, entitled “Water- Curse or Blessing”, presents innovative projects for architectural and infrastructural advancement in regions of Asia that are near large bodies of water. Since 90% of residents of southeast Asia[5], as well as south and east of that live near water, the exhibition tackles the issues that are specific to these regions. Water may be everywhere, but these areas are still commonly afflicted by droughts, floods[6], and shortages of potable water.

Why Factory’s water lilies are giant floating islands[7] that surround the lush city of Phuket. Opening in blossom towards the sun, the lily islands would attract tourists to the area. Each would be accessible by boat, with stairways that lead to platforms providing incredible views – views also reflected in each petal of the blossom. Not only beautiful, but the islands[8] are also functional, soaking up sun with their giant radii, and transferring it back to power the city.

Why Factory’s ideas are large scale- they don’t believe in small individual steps, but rather grand gestures to slowly turn this world into a sustainable energy[9] powerhouse.